From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act introduces new rules to make renting fairer and more transparent. One of the key changes places strict limits on rent in advance for new tenancies.
How This Affects Your Rental Property
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Landlords will not be able to request, accept, or encourage any rent payments before a tenancy agreement is formally agreed.
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Once the tenancy is agreed, only one month’s rent (or up to 28 days) can be requested before the tenant moves in.
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Rent cannot be required in advance beyond this, and any clauses attempting to do so will not be enforceable.
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During the tenancy, rent can only be required in line with the rental period, which cannot exceed one month.
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These changes apply only to tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026.
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For managed tenancies, we will ensure all processes are handled in line with these requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can landlords take rent in advance before a tenancy is agreed?
No. Rent cannot be requested, encouraged, or accepted before the tenancy agreement is in place.
2. What happens if rent is taken before the tenancy is agreed?
This would breach the rules and may result in the payment needing to be returned, along with potential financial penalties.
3. How much rent can be taken before the tenant moves in?
Once the tenancy is agreed, landlords can request up to one month’s rent (or up to 28 days if the rental period is shorter).
4. Can landlords require more than one month’s rent upfront?
No. Any clauses requiring more than one month’s rent are not enforceable.
5. Can tenants choose to pay more rent in advance?
Yes, but only on a voluntary basis. It cannot be required or encouraged.
6. How must rent be paid during the tenancy?
Rent can only be required for the rental period, which cannot exceed one month.
7. Do these rules apply to existing tenancies?
No. These rules apply only to tenancies entered into on or after 1 May 2026.
8. What is the main impact for landlords?
Rent cannot be relied upon in advance, increasing the importance of tenant selection and affordability checks.
9. How can landlords reduce risk?
By carrying out thorough referencing, affordability checks, and ensuring tenants have a reliable payment history or suitable guarantor